Filmmaker Aanand L Rai recently opened up about his experience of working with Shah Rukh Khan in Zero and why the film’s performance at the box office still leaves him feeling disappointed. The director attended a media session at the Jagran Film Festival alongside debutants Ansh Duggal and Pragati Srivastava, who are gearing up for their upcoming film Nakhrewaalii. During the interaction, Aanand was asked about his first collaboration with the Bollywood superstar and how the film failed to achieve the success many had hoped for. His response offered a deeply personal look at the experience, revealing that his biggest disappointment was not about his own career but about the recognition Shah Rukh deserved for his efforts.
Speaking about his journey with the superstar, Aanand L Rai said he had never felt particularly hurt on his own account because he had always approached life and filmmaking with a relaxed outlook. He explained that he continues to make films because he genuinely enjoys telling stories, rather than because he wants to collect achievements or prove something to others. However, his experience of working with Shah Rukh Khan remains especially meaningful to him. Aanand recalled spending three years with the actor, describing that period as some of the most beautiful years of his life. For the filmmaker, the opportunity to work closely with someone he admires was a reward in itself, regardless of the film’s eventual commercial outcome.
The director, however, admitted that what truly saddened him was the fact that Shah Rukh Khan did not receive the appreciation he felt the actor deserved for Zero. Praising the superstar’s dedication, passion and willingness to experiment, Aanand highlighted the challenges involved in taking on a character so different from his established screen image. He also revealed that even Shah Rukh’s iconic romantic gestures were toned down to suit the film’s unusual character and storytelling approach. According to Aanand, the actor embraced these changes with remarkable conviction, demonstrating a willingness to step outside his comfort zone. The filmmaker believes that the hard work and commitment Shah Rukh brought to the project should have translated into a much stronger response.
Released in 2018, Zero featured Shah Rukh Khan as Bauua Singh, a man with dwarfism who navigates complicated relationships and unexpected turns in life. The film also starred Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif, combining romance, drama and ambitious visual effects. While the project attracted attention for its unusual premise and Shah Rukh’s transformation, it did not achieve the commercial success its makers had hoped for. Nevertheless, Aanand’s reflections suggest that the experience remains valuable to him, both professionally and personally. He also acknowledged that Shah Rukh has continued to achieve more in his career since then, reinforcing his admiration for the actor’s resilience and stature in Indian cinema.
When asked whether he would like to collaborate with Shah Rukh Khan again, Aanand made it clear that the possibility remains close to his heart. He explained that earning the opportunity to direct the superstar in the first place had required considerable effort, and he would be willing to work just as hard for another chance. The filmmaker said he wants to return with a story strong enough to approach Shah Rukh confidently and say that he has something worth telling. For Aanand, a successful reunion would depend on the strength of the script rather than simply repeating a previous collaboration. His answer reflected both his respect for the actor and his belief that meaningful cinema must begin with a compelling story.
Meanwhile, Aanand L Rai is also backing Nakhrewaalii, an upcoming romantic comedy-drama scheduled to release in theatres on October 30, 2026. Produced by Jio Studios and Colour Yellow Productions, the film marks the Bollywood debut of Ansh Duggal and Pragati Srivastava. Directed by Rahul Shanklya and written by Divy Nidhi Sharma, the movie follows Sumit Mishra, a small-town young man who moves to Delhi and develops some unusual ideas about women, relationships and government jobs. His decision to adopt the identity of Sumita leads to a series of comic situations. As Aanand continues to support new talent and develop fresh stories, his comments about Zero serve as a reminder that some filmmaking experiences remain special not because of box office numbers, but because of the people and memories created along the way.